There will be public holidays in Nigeria on Tuesday, 20 November, for the Islamic festivities of Eid-El Maulud.
This is according to official pronouncement from the office of the Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau. In his statement, the minister had asked muslims “to align themselves with the prophet’s teachings which border on piety, charity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence, among others.”
Most public institutions and private sector organizations will be closed, leaving workers to participate in the festivities.
Eid-el-Maulud is celebrated on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’al-awwal or its equivalent 20th day of November in the Gregorian calendar. This is the date most muslim scholars believe their prophet Mohammed was born in Mecca in today’s Saudi Arabia in 570 AD.
Eid el Maulud is usually marked with street decorations, exchange of gifts, charity to the less privileged as well as Koranic recitation and spiritual reflections.
We wish our muslim readers a joyous and peaceful Eid-El Maulud celebrations this year.